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An overview of some enzymes from buthid scorpion venoms from Colombia: Centruroides margaritatus, Tityus pachyurus, and Tityus n. sp. aff. metuendus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In Colombia, several species of Buthidae scorpions belonging to the genera Centruroides and Tityus coexist, and their stings are considered life-threatening to humans because of their venom neurotoxins. Despite previous studies focusing on neurotoxins from these scorpion genera, little is known about the enzymes present in their venoms and their relationship with whole venom toxicity.

Methods

Here, using proteomic and biochemical protocols the enzymatic activities of the venoms of three Colombian scorpion species, C. margaritatus, T. pachyurus, and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus, were compared to establish the presence and absence of enzymes such as phospholipases, hyaluronidases, and proteases that could be related to venom toxicity. Results: C. margaritatus was positive for hyaluronidases, T. n. sp. aff. metuendus for proteases, and T. pachyurus exhibited activity for all three mentioned enzymes.

Conclusion

This information provides valuable insights into the specific enzyme diversity of each species' venom and their potential role in venom toxicity, which could contribute to the development of better treatments and prevention strategies for scorpion envenomation.

SUBMITTER: Mendoza-Tobar LL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10950367 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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An overview of some enzymes from buthid scorpion venoms from Colombia: <i>Centruroides margaritatus, Tityus pachyurus,</i> and <i>Tityus</i> n. sp. aff. <i>metuendus</i>.

Mendoza-Tobar Leydy Lorena LL Clement Herlinda H Arenas Iván I Sepulveda-Arias Juan Carlos JC Vargas Jimmy Alexander Guerrero JAG Corzo Gerardo G

The journal of venomous animals and toxins including tropical diseases 20240318

<h4>Background</h4>In Colombia, several species of Buthidae scorpions belonging to the genera <i>Centruroides</i> and <i>Tityus</i> coexist, and their stings are considered life-threatening to humans because of their venom neurotoxins. Despite previous studies focusing on neurotoxins from these scorpion genera, little is known about the enzymes present in their venoms and their relationship with whole venom toxicity.<h4>Methods</h4>Here, using proteomic and biochemical protocols the enzymatic ac ...[more]

PMID: 38505508

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